Across the world, Muslims are gathering to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the joyous festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a month of fasting from dawn to dusk, the holiday brings families and communities together for prayers, feasts, and festive traditions.

From the grand mosques of Istanbul to the sunlit courtyards of Jakarta, the air is filled with the spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal.

For many, Eid is a time of deep reflection and giving. Across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, people distribute zakat al-fitr, a form of charity that ensures those in need can also partake in the celebrations.

In bustling markets, children pick out new clothes, sweets are exchanged, and tables are set with traditional delicacies. The call to Eid prayer echoes in cities and villages alike, reminding the faithful of the bonds that unite them.

Yet, for millions, this Eid is shadowed by hardship. In Gaza, Palestinians pray among the ruins of mosques destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. With food and aid blockades worsening their suffering, many families struggle to find enough to eat, let alone celebrate.

In Yemen and Sudan, conflict and economic collapse have left communities in distress, their Eid marked more by survival than celebration.

In Syria, the first Eid since the fall of Bashar al-Assad brings a mix of relief and uncertainty as the country navigates a fragile transition after decades of autocratic rule.

In India, where Muslims face increasing discrimination and restrictions on religious practices, the community still gathers in mosques and homes to mark the occasion, defying challenges with resilience and faith. Despite the social and political pressures, streets light up with festive spirit, and families exchange greetings, holding onto the traditions that have long defined their identity.

In neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with great joy and unity. Streets are filled with lights and markets bustle with festive foods and clothes.

In Pakistan, families gather for prayers and lavish meals, while in Bangladesh, vibrant processions and heartfelt greetings mark the day. Despite challenges, both nations embrace Eid with warmth, togetherness, and hope.

In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. From the bustling streets of Jakarta to remote villages, families come together for prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. The iconic mudik tradition, where millions travel to their hometowns to reunite with loved ones, transforms the holiday into a nationwide event of reunion and celebration.

In Saudi Arabia, home to the two holiest mosques in Islam—Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi—Eid holds profound spiritual significance. Pilgrims from around the world gather in Mecca for umrah, seeking to celebrate Eid in the sacred city. The air is filled with devotion as the faithful perform prayers and reflect on their faith, while the kingdom also hosts grand feasts and public celebrations in honor of the occasion.

Elsewhere, the political landscape continues to shape the lives of Muslim communities. In the United States, supporters of Palestinian causes linked to universities have faced arrests as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

In Europe, rising Islamophobia and restrictions on religious practices cast a shadow over the festivities.

Still, in the face of adversity, Eid remains a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. It is a day when people come together—not just to celebrate, but to remember, to give, and to pray for a more just and peaceful world.